There are so many reasons to be in Los Angeles in the summer and one of them is the amount of fun events for families. We’ve compiled a list of the best Outdoor Summer Concerts for Families in and around Los Angeles. Most of them are free and all of them are a really fun way to be together as a family and hear great music by DJs and local and national musicians.

Concerts on Canon
Beverly Canon Gardens
241 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA

Every Thursday evening, from June 6th through August 29th, families are invited to enjoy free live musical performances at the Beverly Canon Gardens. A variety of musical genres will be performed including Big Band, Latin Salsa, Jazz, and more. There are two 45-minute performances each night — one at 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm and one from 7:15 pm -8:00 pm. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Western Music Association Showcase and Sizzling Summer Nights
Autry Museum of the American West
4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Autry Museum hosts two different musical programs families will enjoy. Western Music Association Showcase happens on the third Sunday of each month, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This special event (included in general Museum admission) features musicians and cowboy poets performing “stories and songs of the romantic Old West, contemporary music of the American West, and songs of the open range and the American cowboy.” Sizzling Summer Nights happens on Thursday evenings (July 11-August 22) from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The evening includes access to museum galleries, music, and complimentary dance lessons. RSVPs are recommended because space is limited. Check the website for details on both events.

2019 Summer of Music
Redondo Pier
100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Redondo Beach Pier is the site of free concerts every Thursday and Saturday night during the summer from July 4th through August 31st. Musical genres include Reggae, classic rock, pop/dance, and more. Concerts are from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Big World Fun
Ford Theatre
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., Hollywood, CA 90068

On summer Saturday mornings (July 6, July 13, August 3, and August 10), the Ford Theatre hosts Big World Fun performances. These special events serve to introduce children to a variety of music and dance styles. Before the show, children are entertained and educated with craft activities as well as opportunities to learn about different wild animals. Performances are designed for children ages 4-12. Admission is $5 for adults, with children attending for free. Check the website for more information.

Concerts on the Green
Warner Park
5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA

Concerts on the Green are scheduled for Sunday evenings from June 9th through August 18th. Bring a picnic, blankets, low chairs, and pillows and get ready for fun, family-friendly musical evenings. These free concerts begin at 5:30 pm and end at 8:00 pm.

Friday Night Music
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Each Friday night, from May 31st through August 30th, the Farmers Market hosts its annual Friday Night Music series. These free performances are from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and feature a variety of musical genres.

Concerts in the Park
Polliwog Park
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Each Sunday, from June 30th through September 1st, Manhattan Beach’s Polliwog Park is the site of free summer concerts. Enjoy sunshine, good times, and good music at these popular concerts. Teen bands are scheduled from 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm and the main band performs from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Seating is first-come, first-served. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Free concerts are held at Burton Chace Park on Thursdays and Saturdays (beginning July 11th and concluding on August 31st) from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Families will enjoy “Symphonic Thursdays” and “Pop Saturdays” each featuring a variety of performers. Check the website for a schedule of performers. Seating is first-come, first-served. You can RSVP online. 

Pasadena POPS
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007

The Pasadena POPS will be performing at the L.A. Arboretum on five different Saturdays (June 22, July 13, August 3, August 24, September 14). Concerts are scheduled for 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are available online.

50 Free Concerts
Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles
MacArthur Park
W. 6th St. and S. Park View St., Los Angeles, CA

MacArthur Park is the site of 50 free summer concerts, from June 1st through September 1st. Their goal is to “make live music accessible to all, creating stronger and more connected communities while celebrating the diversity of our city and beyond.” Enjoy a wide-range of musical genres at these fun concerts. Check the website for a complete schedule. 

Concerts in the Park
Chumash Park
5550 Medea Valley Dr., Agoura Hills, CA

The city of Agoura Hills hosts its own Summer Concerts in the park series. Performances are on Sundays (June 16, July 8, July 21, August 4, and August 18). These free concerts begin at 6:00 pm and include tributes to popular performers such as Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and others. Food is on sale beginning at 5:00 pm. (The July 21st concert will be held at the Agoura High School PAEC). 

Summer Music Series
The Point at Rosecrans and Sepulveda
850 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245

The Point hosts free live musical performances each Wednesday in July and August, beginning July 3rd and concluding on August 29th. Concerts are from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and cover a range of musical genres including country, rock, and more.

Tiny Porch Concerts
Peter Strauss Ranch
30000 Mulholland Hwy, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

You’ll enjoy a variety of musical talent at the monthly Tiny Porch Concerts performances (May through September). With Tiny Porch Concerts, families can enjoy live musical performances in an incredible setting — the Santa Monica Mountains. VIP Tickets are available online and guarantee you a reserved seat or families may bring low chairs, blankets, and picnics to the concerts. Concerts are scheduled for May 12th, June 2nd, July 7th, August 4th, and September 7th. (Due to the Woolsey Fire, the first concert, and possibly the second, will be held at King Gillette Ranch. Check the website for details). 

Starlight Bowl Summer Concerts
1249 Lockheed View Dr., Burbank, CA 91501

Enjoy the great location and awesome sight lines at the Starlight Bowl this summer, with an impressive lineup of musical acts. This terrific park venue in the City of Burbank offers food for sale or allows you to bring your own picnic to enjoy, encouraging families to use “reusable, compostable, or recyclable containers.” Shows begin at 6:30 pm. This is a ticketed event, with premium seats available as well as blanket and beach chair areas. (Note- tickets tend to sell out quickly).

Twilight On the Pier
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

This year, the outdoor concerts held on the Santa Monica Pier have a new name – Twilight on the Pier. Families will still enjoy live musical performances featuring artists from around the world. Additionally, each night will also feature a “pier-wide festival” complete with art, food, games, and more. Check the website for more information as it becomes available.

Hermosa Beach Summer Concerts
South Side of the Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach, CA

Each Sunday in August, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the south side of the Hermosa Beach Pier is the location for free concerts. End the week, and gear up for the next week, with fun, music, and a sunset show!

El Segundo Summer Concerts in the Park
Library Park
600 Block of Main St., El Segundo, CA

Library Park in El Segundo hosts four free concerts during the summer on June 16th, July 7th, July 21st, and August 4th. Concerts begin at 4:00 pm. Local food trucks will also be on site.

Jazz at LACMA Series, Latin Sounds, and Sundays Live
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

A great way to introduce children to different musical genres is by attending a free concert at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Their “Jazz at LACMA Series” is held on Friday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (from April to November). Enjoy “Latin Sounds” on Saturday evenings from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. LACMA’S “Sundays Live” series is a weekly chamber music series held each Sunday from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Check the website for a schedule.

Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon, Topanga, CA

Will Geer founded the Theatricum Botanicum in 1973. Since then, families have been enjoying plays and education programs in this special outdoor setting. The 299-seat amphitheater offers a variety of special programs featuring musical and theatrical performances. Bring a picnic to enjoy before the show, and be sure to dress in layers. Check the website for details. 

Summer Nights at Descanso 
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens hosts several summer evening events. The “Six Tuesdays” program features World Rhythms, “Summer Songs” is a Wednesday evening offering, and “Music on the Main” happens on Thursday evenings. All programs happen throughout June and July. Check the website for details and ticket information.

Long Beach Municipal Band Concerts in the Park Series
Long Beach, CA

Different parks throughout Long Beach will be celebrating 110 years of the Long Beach Municipal Band. All concerts are free and begin at 6:30 pm. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, a picnic, and get ready for an enjoyable evening of music under the stars. Check the website for a schedule of performances.

Chinatown Summer Nights
951 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Chinatown Summer Nights is happening on the second Saturday of the month (June 8th, July 13th, and August 10) from 5:00 pm to midnight. These free events are described as being “part food event, part summer party.” Enjoy music with KCRW’s DJ’s and local live bands, enjoy food, take part in hands-on Chinese cultural activities, and more. 

Sunset Concerts at the Skirball
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049

The Skirball Cultural Center will hold their twenty-third annual season of its FREE summertime live music series, Sunset Concerts – Thursday evenings, July 18–August 22, 8:00 pm. This year’s lineup of boundary-pushing artists draws influences from a variety of styles. DJs representing the diverse communities of greater Los Angeles will open each of the Thursday night shows. The 2019 Sunset Concerts schedule is as follows: Gaby Moreno (July 18); Río Mira (July 25) in their California debut; The Klezmatics (August 1); Cha Wa(August 8); Tamar Ilana & Ventanas (August 15) in their Los Angeles debut; and Josef Leimberg (August 22).

Summer Nights in the Garden
Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007

The Natural History Museum hosts Summer Nights in the Garden on three Fridays this summer (June 28th, July 12th, and July 26th) from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.Enjoy live music, food, nature-inspired take-home activities, and more. Check the website for details.

The Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027

Enjoy a concert under the stars at the famous Greek Theatre located in Griffith Park. A variety of acts featuring different musical genres perform at the Greek throughout the summer. Check the website for a list of upcoming shows and for ticket information. Be sure to check the website for a list of items that are not allowed within the Theatre. 

OFF THE 405 
The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049

OFF THE 405 is described as “the Getty Center’s annual outdoor summer concert series, bringing some of today’s most exciting bands to the stage for a memorable experience amid stunning architecture and breathtaking views.” Performances are generally Saturday evenings at 6:00 pm. No reservations are required for these free events. Check the website for a list of upcoming dates. 

Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90078

Seeing a concert at the Hollywood Bowl is an experience like no other, and for many families, is an absolute “must-do” during the summer. Whether you hear classical music (the Bowl is the summer home for the Los Angeles Philharmonic) or a popular act perform, you can purchase tickets suitable for any budget. Some concerts also feature a fireworks show! Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy before the performance. Check the website for a a list of upcoming concerts. (Opening Night is happening on Saturday, June 15th and features John Legend.) Make sure and check out our Guide to the Hollywood Bowl!

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